Posted 8:48 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025
Christine Ascencio receives inaugural Dean’s Early Impact Award
An emerging leader in the College of Business Administration (CBA) at UW-La Crosse is being recognized through the Dean’s Early Impact Award.
Christine Ascencio, associate professor of management, was selected to receive the inaugural award, which was established to celebrate individuals in the early stages of their career who have made significant and measurable contributions to advance the college’s mission, goals and community impact.
“This award was such a welcome surprise,” says Ascencio, who started at UWL in 2020. “I truly enjoy the work I do — whether it’s teaching, conducting research or contributing through service — but it is a lot of work. Being recognized, especially as a newer faculty member, means a great deal and makes the effort feel all the more worthwhile.”
Ascencio’s teaching emphasizes international business, social responsibility and sustainable management, and she has taught courses in international management, global responsibility of business, and business and human rights. She has also taught in UWL’s study abroad consulting program in Slovakia.
Her classes incorporate high-impact practices supporting student success, including Collaborative Online International Learning, client-based projects and case studies that allow students to tackle global challenges.
Ascencio says she enjoys the collaborative and innovative approach to education at UWL, which has allowed her to grow as an educator.
Before transitioning to education, Ascencio worked in the nonprofit sector, supporting multilingual access initiatives.
“I appreciate the opportunities UWL provides to try new things — whether experimenting with innovative teaching approaches, traveling to conferences or pursuing funding for research and classroom projects,” she explains. “That encouragement has made a real difference in my growth as a faculty member.
“And of course, the students are a highlight. I truly enjoy their energy in class and the conversations we have. One of the best parts of this job is seeing where they go after graduation — whether it’s through an email update or a LinkedIn post, it’s rewarding to see the impact they’re making.”
Beyond classroom instruction, Ascencio’s research explores how businesses impact society through international operations, social entrepreneurship and corporate responsibility. Her recent studies examine Sustainable Development Goal communication, internationalization of social enterprises and corporate human rights violations.
Ascencio is also involved in various initiatives across the university, reflecting her commitment to student learning and global engagement.
She chairs the Management Department and the CBA Curriculum Committees, serves on the Faculty Senate and has been a member of the International Business Advisory Committee, the International Education Committee and the Sustainable Business Task Force.
“Dr. Ascencio contributes significantly beyond expectation … at all levels,” her award nomination letter read. “Despite being employed for only five years (at UWL), she has been a significant and impactful member of committees, including the curriculum committee, strategic planning committee, search and screen committees and a scholarship committee. Every dimension of Dr. Ascencio’s contributions to teaching, research, and service have demonstrated excellence and a significant positive impact on our students, the college and the university.”
Tim Dale, associate dean of the CBA, says it’s important to recognize the success of new faculty like Ascencio, who are key contributors to the long-term health of the college. That is exactly what the Dean’s Early Impact Award is intended to do.
“By establishing this award,” Dale says, “the college affirms its belief that emerging leaders and changemakers deserve recognition for what they have accomplished, and for good things that are clearly yet to come.”
Support the Dean’s Early Impact Award
Businesses or prospective donors looking to support the Dean’s Early Impact Award or other CBA initiatives can contact Jeff Meyer at 608-785-8502 or jmeyer@uwlax.edu.
If an in-person meeting is preferred, Meyer travels regionally and nationally to meet with CBA partners.